Taiwan Lantern Festival 2026 in Chiayi: Dates, Venues, Transport & Travel Guide

Introduction to the Taiwan Lantern Festival

Chiayi Jun | Image Source: Tourism Administration, MOTC

After a hiatus of eight years, the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival is coming to Chiayi for a 13-day celebration. The opening venue for the Taiwan Lantern Festival is tentatively planned for March 3, 2026, at the County Government Special Zone, themed "New Chiayi." This time, digital art and multimedia technology will once again be used to create a shocking lighting feast that spans water, land, and air!

If you are searching for "Where is the Taiwan Lantern Festival," "Taiwan Lantern Festival dates," or "Taiwan Lantern Festival history," this Taiwan Lantern Festival guide is prepared just for you!

Taiwan Lantern Festival Event Information

Meaning and Origin of the Taiwan Lantern Festival

Did you know? The annual "Taiwan Lantern Festival" is actually more than just watching lanterns. Its core meaning is primarily to inherit and promote the traditional culture of the Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao).

This lantern festival activity first started in 1990. The government began to integrate small-scale lantern viewing activities that were originally scattered in temples across various places. By 2001, the festival began to rotate through different locations in Taiwan. Each county and city has different lantern shapes for the Taiwan Lantern Festival, and some even provide mini lanterns for the public to collect. In previous years, it has attracted huge crowds, and some even featured drones or Pokémon themes, making it very lively.

It was also in 2003 that this event was officially named the "Taiwan Lantern Festival." Developed to this day, it is now one of Taiwan's most representative cultural tourism activities!

Where were the Taiwan Lantern Festival locations in previous years?

• 2023: Taipei Taiwan Lantern Festival
• 2024: Tainan Taiwan Lantern Festival
• 2025: Taoyuan Taiwan Lantern Festival
• 2026: Chiayi Taiwan Lantern Festival
• 2027: Miaoli Taiwan Lantern Festival (Planned)

Where is the 2026 Lantern Festival?

The Taiwan Lantern Festival venues are mainly distributed in the following areas:

1. Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum
2. Taizi Boulevard
3. County Government Special Zone
4. County Government Plaza

What is the Taiwan Lantern Festival time? When does it end?

Taiwan Lantern Festival 2026 is expected to be exhibited for 13 days.

• Taiwan Lantern Festival Opening: March 3, 2026 (Tue)
• Taiwan Lantern Festival Closing: March 15 (Sun)

Taiwan Lantern Festival Program Schedule & Lighting Times

Currently, neither the Taiwan Lantern Festival key visuals nor the lighting zone characteristics have been announced. It is recommended to save this article first. Whenever there is the latest information, the editor will update it immediately!

2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival Highlight: Collaboration with Super Mario!

Image Source: Slow Travel Chiayi Official Fanpage

The theme for Chiayi's Lantern Festival this year is "Playing with Light and Shadow," planning to use digital art and the latest multimedia technologies to create a world-class light festival that transcends traditional boundaries and spans across water, land, and air.

One of the highlights of this event is the collaboration between the Chiayi County Government and the popular character Super Mario from Nintendo! They are working together to create a special area named "2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival × Super Mario Starlight Carnival."

In this fun-filled interactive space, there are five travel themes and exclusive experience activities, featuring familiar game characters such as "Invincible Star" and Mario, allowing visitors of all ages to fully experience the charm of Chiayi during the event.

Taiwan Lantern Festival Transportation Guide: From Airport, HSR to MRT and Charter Car

How to get to the Taiwan Lantern Festival venue from abroad? (Departing from Taoyuan Airport)

Using the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum as an example, it is recommended to take the Taoyuan Airport MRT → transfer to THSR at Taoyuan Station → THSR Chiayi Station → from THSR Station [Exit 2] take:

• BRT platform (towards Puzi) take BRT (7212) to Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum (Building 1 Shuttle Station) and get off.
• Take 106, 166, or 7235 to Southern Branch NPM Station (Main Gate), and walk for about 20 minutes to reach the museum entrance.
• THSR Station [Exit 2 Bus Platform] take the free shuttle bus to the venue.

👉 But if you don't want to rush around with luggage and transfer cars, it is recommended to choose "tripool" airport transfer or carpooling service with guaranteed departure even for 1 person, going directly to the Taiwan Lantern Festival area without needing to move large luggage up and down.

What is the fastest transportation to the Taiwan Lantern Festival from other counties and cities?

1. THSR: Take to "THSR Chiayi Station," then from THSR Station [Exit 2] take:

• BRT platform (towards Puzi) take BRT (7212) to Southern Branch NPM (Building 1 Shuttle Station) and get off.
• Take 106, 166, or 7235 to Southern Branch NPM Station (Main Gate). After getting off, walk for about 20 minutes to reach the museum entrance.
• Take 105 to Southern Branch NPM North Station. After getting off, walk for about 20 minutes to reach the museum entrance.
• THSR Station [Exit 2 Bus Platform] take the free shuttle bus.

2. TRA: You can take to "Chiayi Railway Station"

• From the Rear Exit, transfer to BRT (7212) to Southern Branch NPM (Building 1 Shuttle Station) and get off.
• From the Front Exit, transfer to Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 106 to Southern Branch NPM Station or take 7303, 7320, 7326 to Southern Branch NPM North Station. After getting off, walk for about 20 minutes to reach the museum entrance.

Note: The free shuttle between THSR Chiayi Station and Southern Branch NPM usually runs from Tuesday to Sunday. However, during the festival, other transportation arrangements are expected. It is recommended to refer to the announcements by the Taiwan Lantern Festival official or Chiayi County Government.

Are there buses or coaches to the Taiwan Lantern Festival venue?

After walking out of Exit 2 of THSR Chiayi Station, you can directly take the following buses to the Southern Branch NPM area:

• BRT platform (towards Puzi) take BRT (7212) to Southern Branch NPM (Building 1 Shuttle Station).
• Take 106, 166, or 7235 to Southern Branch NPM Station (Main Gate). After getting off, walk for about 20 minutes to reach the museum entrance.
• Take 105 to Southern Branch NPM North Station. After getting off, walk for about 20 minutes to reach the museum entrance.

If driving by yourself, how to go? Is it easy to park?

Because of the large crowds during the festival, the Taiwan Lantern Festival will have traffic control. It is recommended to use public transportation, or for larger groups, choose tripool's private charter. For individuals, you can choose the carpooling service, which guarantees departure at a price nearly 40% cheaper than a taxi, making it more convenient!

If you want to drive yourself, using the Southern Branch NPM as an example, you can follow these routes:

National Highway No. 1

• Exit at Chiayi Interchange → Drive along High-Speed Rail Blvd (Route 18) → Turn right on Palace Blvd to arrive.
• Exit at Shuishang Interchange → Drive along Chiapu Rd (Route 168) → Turn right on Taizi Blvd to arrive.

National Highway No. 3

• From Shuishang System, transfer to Route 82 (Expressway Dongshi-Chiayi) → Exit at 14 Xianghe Interchange → Turn right and drive along Xuefu Rd Sec 2 → Turn left on Chiapu Rd (Route 168) → Turn right on Taizi Blvd to arrive at Southern Branch NPM.

Taiwan Lantern Festival Parking Information

Since the relevant parking information for the Taiwan Lantern Festival has not been announced yet, it is recommended to first consider the Southern Branch NPM parking lot. For subsequent parking issues, please pay attention to the Taiwan Lantern Festival official announcements.

*See more Southern Branch NPM Parking Info: National Palace Museum Southern Branch

Bonus: There's also this most convenient Taiwan Lantern Festival transportation!

When the lantern festival gets crowded, bus delays are already the norm. Even if you check the timetable, you might still wait for a bus that never comes, miss a transfer, or get stuck in the wind and rain dragging luggage. Especially from THSR or TRA Chiayi Station to the venue, there is no direct route and you have to transfer—it's tiring just thinking about it.

Not to mention having to crowd with people to find a parking space after it ends, or leaving early to catch the last bus... How can this trip be so miserable before it even starts?

If you are also planning your 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival trip and want to reach the venue easily and directly? tripool's carpooling or private charter is designed for those who "don't want to worry, don't want to wait, and want to be comfortable."

No transfers, tripool picks you up on time

Both carpooling and private charters can depart on time according to the time and pick-up location you set. Flexible control of the itinerary, no need to be tied down by bus times.

Transparent prices, no fear of sudden surges

tripool's flat price has no dynamic billing like Uber. Even in traffic jams or heavy rain, there is no extra charge. You can easily grasp transportation expenses when booking, saving up to 40% compared to UBER or taxis.

Choose a private car for more people, and for fewer people, you can choose tripool carpooling with guaranteed departure for 1 person. You no longer need to fear solo travel transportation issues.

Direct all the way, no gathering, no detours

Whether it's solo travel, family outings, or groups of friends, tripool provides corresponding solutions. Private cars for many, carpooling for few. Carpooling with guaranteed departure for 1 person saves money, and private charters save trouble—both are more cost-effective than carrying luggage and transferring yourself.

Comfortable, punctual, and cost-effective transportation options allow you to avoid price comparisons and spend time on research.

First time at the Chiayi Taiwan Lantern Festival? Food, Surroundings, Entry, and Accommodation Guide!

Recommended Accommodations around the Taiwan Lantern Festival Venue

Evergreen Palace Hotel Chiayi

Image Source: Evergreen Palace Hotel Chiayi

Starting from THSR Chiayi Station, you can reach "Evergreen Palace Hotel Chiayi" in about 5 minutes by car. The location is super convenient, you can walk to the Southern Branch NPM, and it's also very fast to the lantern festival venue!

There are up to 8 types of room choices. Whether you are a couple or the whole family, you can stay comfortably. There is a cafe and bar in the lobby. Viewing lanterns by day and having a drink at night—one-stop satisfaction.

The facilities in the hotel are also very rich, such as: gym, sauna, outdoor pool, KTV, and bicycle rental are all available. You won't be bored even when not out. And the best part is, they provide shuttle service from the THSR station on the day, so you don't have to worry even if you have luggage.

• Address: No. 777, Palace Blvd, Taibao City, Chiayi County

Brick Hotel

Image Source: Brick Hotel

It only takes 5 minutes from THSR Chiayi Station to reach "Brick Hotel." It's right next to the Southern Branch NPM, and the location is also very convenient, perfect for families with children.

The hotel is divided into two buildings: "Brick Building" features a simple and bright style with large glass windows for great lighting. There is also a 100-ping children's playroom with ball pits, slides, and glowing bricks.

"Family Building" features dreamy themed rooms, such as Sakura Fairy and Forest Elf themes. Each room is equipped with a large bathroom + child's garage, making both parents and kids happy!

• Address: No. 223, Taizi Blvd, Taibao City, Chiayi County

Extra Event Recommendation: Complete tasks to get limited edition Mario mini lanterns!

Image Source: Slow Travel Chiayi Official Fanpage

Attraction Stamp Collection Event

If you visit 5 out of 100 tourist attractions in Chiayi County and collect all stamps, you can also get the limited edition brick mini lantern launched in collaboration with Super Mario!

• Collection Period: January 1 to March 15, 2026
• Pickup Period: March 3 to March 15, 2026 (limited to 1,800 per day, first come first served while supplies last)

How to Participate:

1. Add the "Slow Travel Chiayi" official LINE account as a friend.
2. Check in and collect stamps at 5 out of the 100 designated locations.
3. Reserve a pickup time (reservation method to be announced by the organizer).
4. Please go to the Taiwan Lantern Festival venue at the scheduled time to collect it.
5. Limit one per person.

Reminders:

1. After collecting stamps from five locations, please reserve a pickup time via LINE.
2. The pickup method, location, and reservation method will be announced on the official website at a later date.
3. Due to limited quantities, please be sure to arrive at the reserved time (if late, you may not be able to collect your item).
4. Detailed redemption rules are subject to the official announcement of the organizer.

Recommended Attractions around the Taiwan Lantern Festival Venue

Suantou Sugar Factory Cultural Park

Image Source: Lioujiao Township Office, Chiayi County

Built in 1906, the "Suantou Sugar Factory" is a century-old sugar factory that was once one of the top three sugar factories in Taiwan. The park currently still retains a large number of wooden buildings. You can also ride the "Wufen Train" used to transport sugarcane in the early years. Along the way, you can enjoy rural scenery, such as rare views of white sugarcane fields!

• Address: No. 1, Gongchang Village, Lioujiao Township, Chiayi County
• Business Hours: 08:00–17:00

Wenhua Road Night Market

Image Source: roundTAIWANround

If you ask people who are going to Chiayi "Where do you want to go at night?" probably nine out of ten will have "Wenhua Road Night Market" in their itinerary. Because this is definitely one of Chiayi's most representative night attractions, where you can eat, browse, and chat while walking.

Wenhua Road Night Market starts business in the afternoon and gets livelier as it gets later. At night, the whole road becomes a pedestrian zone. In just 400 meters, it's packed with local delicacies, such as the long-established A-E Douhua using soy milk as soup, the classic Yuan Xing Yu Xiang Wu Grapefruit Green Tea (just the right amount of sour and sweet), and that stir-fried snail stall that smells amazing every time you pass by. If you are a heavy-flavor supper fan, there are also Huang Mao Dongshan Duck Head, Fang Gui Zi Braised Dishes, and A-Xian's Gua Bao + Si Shen Soup + Braised Pork Rice. Every stall can make you give up on weight loss directly. So if you are a foodie or a night owl, Wenhua Road Night Market is definitely your top choice in Chiayi.

• Address: Wenhua Road, East District, Chiayi City
• Business Hours: About 18:00–23:00, some shops open during the day. (7 PM to 11 PM is a pedestrian zone, vehicles prohibited)

Taiwan Lantern Festival × Chiayi Tourism: Recommended Itineraries for 1-Day & 2-Day Charters

1-Day Charter Itinerary (Recommended 6-hour package)

• 14:00 Arrive at THSR Chiayi Station, start using hourly charter
• 14:30 Arrive at Taiwan Tile Museum, start visit
• 16:00 End of visit → Travel to next stop
• 16:10 Arrive at Hinoki Village
• 17:10 End of visit → Travel to Lantern Festival

18:00 Arrive at Southern Branch NPM → Start viewing Taiwan Lantern Festival

2-Day Charter Itinerary

First Day:

• 14:30 Arrive at THSR Chiayi Station
• 15:00 Check in to a hotel near Southern Branch NPM
• 15:30 Visit Southern Branch NPM
• 17:00 End of visit, start viewing Taiwan Lantern Festival
• 19:00 Return to hotel

Second Day:

• 11:00 Hotel check-out, start using hourly charter
• 11:10 Enjoy Chiayi famous food at Liu Li-Zhang Turkey Rice
• 12:00 Lunch ends
• 12:10 Visit Hinoki Village
• 13:00 End of visit to Hinoki Village + Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park → Travel to Tile Museum
• 13:10 Arrive at Taiwan Tile Museum
• 14:30 End of visit → Travel to THSR Chiayi Station
• 15:00 Arrive at THSR Chiayi Station
• If you want to see more Chiayi attractions, food, and 1-day itineraries, it is recommended to refer to the following guide:

More FAQ about Taiwan Lantern Festival

Q: What is the address of the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival? 

Q: Do I need a ticket for the Chiayi Taiwan Lantern Festival? Do I need to book in advance? 

Q: How late does the Taiwan Lantern Festival stay open? What time are the lights turned off? 

Q: Is there a Taiwan Lantern Festival shuttle bus? How to take it? 

Q: Can I bring pets? Are there pet-friendly areas? 

Q: Are there toilets on site? Are they easy to find? 

Q: Will there be a Taiwan Lantern Festival food area where I can eat? 

Q: Will the lantern festival be very crowded? When are there fewer people? 

Q: Is it too tiring for kids or seniors? Is the venue easy to walk? 

Q: Will the lantern festival be cancelled if it rains? Is there a backup plan? 

tripool Editor's Honest Opinion: The most feared thing at a lantern festival is not the crowd, but transportation!

Honestly, the most frustrating part of the lantern festival every year is not the crowd itself, but that period of "waiting for a shuttle bus that doesn't come, walking until your feet are soft." Especially for the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi, shuttle schedules are variable, and out-of-town travelers are prone to getting stuck with transfer issues. Watching everyone take photos while you are trapped at a bus stop in the wind and rain is something only those who have been there know.

At times like this, tripool is very suitable as one of your transportation options.

No need to check schedules or routes. Whether you are alone or traveling with family and friends, tripool can pick you up at your doorstep on time, allowing you to go directly to the lantern festival venue without detours or gathering.

Transparent flat price with no hidden fees. Even if you encounter traffic, rain, or late-night crowds, you don't have to worry about the meter amount.

Since you come to the lantern festival for relaxation, happiness, and beautiful photos, leave the tedious matter of transportation to tripool!